During a special dedication ceremony today, Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) established the Mitchell W. Davis Scholarship in honor of Mr. Davis's distinguished career in the Charlotte region's construction and land surveying sectors. Mr. Davis, an employee of Showalter Construction, Co., has dedicated his life's work to the geomatics field, mentoring aspiring surveyors and encouraging others to pursue the field he has forged a successful career in for the past 50-plus years.

A number of special guests and leading industry leaders gathered at CPCC's Harris Conference Center to celebrate the occasion with Mr. Davis's friends and family, they included: Pat Rodgers, president and CEO of Rodgers; Carl Showalter, president of Showalter Construction Co.; Smoky Bissell, founder of Bissell Companies; and Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of CPCC.

"There is no other person who is as deserving of this recognition as Mitchell," said Mr. Showalter. "He has given back to our industry in so many ways, that this is the least we could do. His contributions as a leader, master problem solver and mentor are unparalleled, and his character as a professional should be emulated by all."

The Mitchell W. Davis Scholarship will provide a full-cost scholarship, covering the full costs of tuition, books, materials and fees, annually to two CPCC students pursuing an associate degree in Geomatics Technology.

"This permanently endowed scholarship will remain a significant source of financial support for students preparing for Geomatics Technology-related careers," added Ms. Rodgers.
The scholarship was created by Mr. Davis's colleagues and friends to honor him as a beloved leader and professional in the geomatics field. It includes a lead gift from Mr. Showalter, as well as supporting gifts from the Bissell Family Foundation; Johnny Harris, CEO of Lincoln Harris; and R.B. Pharr & Associates. "The college is grateful for the generosity of everyone who came together to make this scholarship possible," said Dr. Deitemeyer. "The college is proud to have Mitchell's name associated with our Geomatics Technology program in such a prominent manner."

CPCC is conducting a branding study, and we are looking for input from our alumni. We have two options for participation in a focus group: Thursday, April 12 from 12:00 to1:30pm or Tuesday, April 17 from 12:00 to 1:30pm. Both groups will be on Central Campus, and lunch will be provided.

Join us, and you'll be entered to win an Amazon Echo Dot! If you are interested and for more information, please email melissa.warlick@cpcc.edu or call 704.330.6155. Read more

Tesla, manufacturer of electric vehicles and scalable clean energy generation and storage products, and Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) have launched an automotive training program called Tesla START at CPCC. CPCC is the first community college to participate in Tesla START.

Tesla START is a 12-week automotive technician training program designed to provide students with the skills necessary for job placement as service technicians at Tesla Service Centers across North America. Tesla is partnering with colleges to provide the curriculum, instructors and job opportunity so students can make a smooth transition from college to full-time employment. Students train in a space on campus designed to simulate a Tesla Service location so they are ready to hit the ground running on day one of their new careers.

The Tesla START program at CPCC began in January with 13 students. The program is based at CPCC's Merancas Campus in Huntersville, N.C. Working together, Tesla and CPCC have built a service bay for students to train in that is similar to what they will find at Tesla Service Centers. This first class of Tesla START students at CPCC will graduate April 6. A ceremony will be held at the Merancas Campus.

"Central Piedmont Community College is proud and honored Tesla reached out to us with the opportunity to be among their first community college partners," said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, CPCC president. "This is such an extraordinary, new opportunity for CPCC students in our Automotive Systems Technology program and one that will set them up for success in a growing field. Clearly, the automobile industry is moving toward all-electric systems and greater sustainability. CPCC students will be on the cutting-edge of this industrial shift."

Do you know a Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) graduate who is making a tremendous difference in the community? Nominations are currently being sought for the 2018 Richard H. Hagemeyer Educational Advancement Award. This award recognizes a former CPCC student who has significantly benefited from his//her experiences at CPCC and whose efforts have helped the community.

The award is named after Dr. Richard H. Hagemeyer, CPCC's first president, who led the college 23 years, from a trade school with 1,200 students to one of the state's largest community colleges.
Nominations are being sought for individuals who have:

demonstrated community involvement and social responsibility.

acquired scholastic and learning skills that have led to continued personal and educational growth.

The college will recognize this year's winner at CPCC's commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 17, 2018, and a one-year scholarship will be granted to a CPCC student in an area of study reflective of the winner's background.

Completed nomination forms should be submitted to Dr. Tracie Clark in the Disher Building, 1300 East Fourth Street; or mailed to Tracie Clark, CPCC, P.O. Box 35009, Charlotte, NC, 28235. The deadline for nominations is March 30, 2018. For more information, contact Dr. Clark at tracie.clark@cpcc.edu or call 704.330.6022. Read more

Since Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) awarded the first scholarship from its Levine Scholarship Endowment in 2003, nearly 900 students have received much-needed assistance with achieving their career training and educational goals.

Created by a grant from The Leon Levine Foundation (TLLF), cumulative Levine Scholarships awards now total more than $2.1 million. With a current market value of more than $5 million, the Levine Scholarship Endowment represents the largest permanent source of financial assistance for students at Central Piedmont.

"Having the opportunity to go to a great college and get a solid foundation for the rest of my education without having to worry about the cost has been a tremendous help in making college happen for me. And being part of a community of scholars has really shaped my college experience for the better as well," said Ren Lane, a CPCC Levine Scholar and Providence High School graduate who is pursuing an associate in arts degree.

According to Levine Scholar Adam Penninger, a graduate of West Mecklenburg High School, "I attended CPCC from the fall 2006 term through the fall 2008 term. During this time, I did not qualify for any forms of federal or state aid, even though I came from a low-income household. The Levine Scholarship provided access to higher education I wouldn't have been able to obtain otherwise.

"Today I work in the financial aid office at CPCC," Penninger added. "I see directly the impact the Levine Scholarship had upon myself and continue to see its positive impact on students. Many of these students have no funding at all, and others don't have enough to cover all of their expenses."

Tom Lawrence, executive director of TLLF, said, "Investing in need-based scholarships for bright, ambitious students aligns closely with TLLF's mission. We take great pride in partnering with CPCC and hope the impact of these scholarships is felt for years to come."

CPCC, one of the largest community colleges in the Carolinas, offers nearly 300 degree, diploma and certification programs; customized corporate training; market-focused continuing education; and special interest classes. The college enrolls more than 56,000 annually in for-credit programs.

"I often say CPCC is in the life-transformation business. CPCC is the hope many of our students are seeking. Hope of a better job, better wage, better life, and better provisions for their family," Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, CPCC president, explained. "Partners and benefactors like The Leon Levine Foundation make it possible for the college to carry out its important mission.

"On behalf of the college and the nearly 900 CPCC students who have received much-needed assistance through the Levine Scholarship Endowment, I say 'thank you.' The positive impact that has been made and will be made is immeasurable," Deitemeyer added.

The Levine Scholarship Endowment is a significant source of financial assistance for CPCC students annually. The college encourages anyone who is interested in pursuing additional education and career training, but lacks financial resources, to complete a CPCC application, and talk with a staff member in the college's Financial Aid Department. Read more

The German Language & Culture Foundation (GLCF) of Charlotte, N.C., has given Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) an $8,800 grant to support four $2,200 scholarships associated with the college's study abroad program to Germany. The monies will pay for four CPCC students to study abroad in Heidelberg, Germany, during June 2018, and support the students' German language classes as well.

The gift to the college reinforces the GLCF's commitment to supporting projects that help create long-term friendships and promote a better understanding between the people of German-speaking countries and the Charlotte metro region. Charlotte is a mecca for German-based business operations; the Queen City's German companies employ more than 15,000 people across the region.

"The city of Charlotte is home to hundreds of companies from German-speaking Europe," said Daniela Weinert, president of the GLCF. "It's important that we build a talent pipeline of fluent, German-speaking graduates who are prepared to enter the workforce and hit the ground running, adding value to the Queen City's international businesses."

CPCC students Lisa Bivens, Matthews, N.C.; Skyler Cooper, Charlotte, N.C.; Kyle Harris, Charlotte, N.C.; and Ashley Metz, Waxhaw, N.C.; were named the 2018 German Language & Culture Foundation Scholarship recipients. The four students have been studying German at CPCC and plan to continue German language study in the future.

"This experience will allow me to learn the German language in an immersion setting, giving me the chance to gain a broader understanding of the German culture and its people," said Bivens. "After English, German is one of the most widely spoken languages; therefore, learning how to speak it fluently is important."

This year marks the tenth consecutive year that the Foundation has bestowed a scholarship to a CPCC student.

Lisa A. Bivens
Matthews, N.C., native Lisa A. Bivens is looking forward to studying abroad in Germany this summer. While she's only been studying the German language for two years, she's hopeful about accomplishing the everyday tasks she takes for granted here in the States. "It would be fantastic to just hop on a train and have a conversation with a fellow passenger," explains Bivens.

But first, Bivens, a business major, has to get there. While thinking about the journey ahead can seem intimidating to some new country, new culture, different language to Bivens, it's an opportunity to embrace the change around her.

"This experience will allow me to learn the German language in an immersion setting, giving me the chance to gain a broader understanding of the German culture and its people," says Bivens. "After English, German is one of the most widely spoken languages; therefore, learning how to speak it fluently is important."

Bivens believes her hard work will pay off in the future. By gaining an understanding of the German language now, she'll gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. "The City of Charlotte is home to more than 200 German companies," she explains. "I hope that being fluent in German will help me secure a job after graduation."

The second-year CPCC student plans to transfer to UNC Charlotte in the near future and graduate with a bachelor's degree in business.

Ashley Metz
Ashley Metz has studied the German language for two years at CPCC and is excited about the prospect of studying abroad this summer to immerse herself in another country's culture.

"I'm looking forward to getting to know the German language better," explains Metz. "I also can't wait to see what school will be like in Germany. I hope this experience teaches me many life lessons that I can one day apply in the real world."

The Waxhaw, N.C., native is currently enrolled in CPCC's Career and College Promise program, a dual enrollment program for CMS juniors and seniors. After completing the program, she plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in international studies at a four-year school.

Kyle Harris
Kyle Harris has previously traveled overseas to London, Paris, Florence and Rome, but this will be the first time the Charlotte, N.C., native will study abroad in a foreign country. "I can't wait to be fully immersed in the German culture," explains Harris. "I hope it teaches me more about the language and what it means to be a European and German citizen today."

Harris has been studying the German language off and on for the past four years. Before enrolling at CPCC last year, he was a student in the college's Career & College Promise program, which helps CMS students earn college credit at no cost.

After graduating from high school, Harris enrolled at CPCC in fall 2017 and went online one day to learn more about the college's study abroad programs. It was there, Harris explains, that he stumbled across the GLCF scholarship opportunity. He decided to apply and now finds himself preparing to study abroad in Germany this summer.

"I'm not only looking forward to the change in culture and scenery, but also practicing my German on a daily basis so I can become more fluent," says Harris.

Harris plans to take the knowledge he gains as a result of this experience and apply it to his career plans, which include studying international studies at UNCC after graduating from CPCC. "I enjoy learning foreign languages. Once I have a firm grasp of the German language, I would love to one day study the Arabic language and learn more about Arabic-speaking countries."

Skyler Cooper
Mastering the German language is in Skyler Cooper's long-term plans; it's a language he plans to continue studying long after leaving CPCC in the spring. "Even after I transfer from CPCC this fall, learning the German language will remain a priority. There are so many applications for it in today's marketplace," explains Cooper.

Cooper, a Charlotte, N.C., native, is currently in his second year at CPCC, earning credits toward an Associate in Arts degree. While he's only spent two semesters learning German at CPCC, he feels prepared and hopeful about his upcoming trip overseas. "I cannot wait to immerse myself in the German language and culture," he explains.

While this won't be Cooper's first time visiting Germany, it will be his first time seeing the country through the eyes of a local, rather than a tourist. "Getting to see Heidelberg through a completely different lens will be the experience of a lifetime. I'm not only looking forward to soaking up the sights and sounds of Heidelberg, but also improving my German language skills at the same time."

Congratulations to Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer! She was recently named as one of the top "Change Agents" in the state by Business North Carolina magazine.

The publication's "Change Agent" list recognizes individuals who lead prominent businesses or organizations but are relatively new in their role. Individuals included on this prestigious list are considered the top "leaders to watch" in the upcoming year.

Business North Carolina's Feb. 2018 issue listed the state's most influential business leaders, ranging from the top 100 businesspeople from across the state, to the leading icons and change agents. View the complete list here.

Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) and Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) announced today that JPMorgan Chase has provided a significant grant to support training for CLT Aviation Department employees.
The $135,000 grant from JPMorgan Chase will enable CPCC to provide CLT Aviation Department employees with training in multiple technical areas which are essential to the development of workforce skills required by the airport. The training will include electrical systems, welding, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, and OSHA industrial safety certification, and benefit dozens of Aviation Department team members, including prospective entry-level employees, as the airport continues its nine-gate expansion. The grant-supported training will enhance the skills of Aviation Department employees and provide selected CPCC students with opportunities to engage in workplace learning experiences aligned with airport workforce needs.

Speaking at the grant announcement were Craig May, Carolinas market executive for JPMorgan Chase; Brent Cagle CLT aviation director; and Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, CPCC president. "We want more people to share in the benefits of a growing economy by creating sustainable paths to careers that lead to prosperity and wealth for more individuals," said May of JPMorgan Chase. "The number of logistics-related jobs in the Carolinas is growing significantly and our partnership with CPCC and the airport will help more people gain the skills needed to fill those positions."

"The airport recognizes the need to develop and maintain a highly skilled workforce for today and the future," Cagle said. "That is why today's news is not only exciting, but extremely important. Charlotte Douglas International Airport generates $16.2 billion yearly to the local economy. It takes many partners and a talented, skilled workforce to make us the premier airport that we are. Our partnership with JPMorgan Chase and CPCC provides vital training opportunities for Aviation Department employees to thrive and better serve our passengers."

CPCC's Corporate Learning Center is the college's single point of contact for serving the wide range of learning and development needs of businesses and organizations in Mecklenburg County, including customized training. The college's span of learning, expertise and experience make CPCC a well-positioned workforce development resource to help meet the performance and organizational needs of local companies.

"Thanks to JPMorgan Chase for its generous grant to make this workforce development initiative possible," Deitemeyer said. "This grant is another example of JPMorgan Chase's commitment to enhancing the communities in which it operates by promoting economic opportunities and mobility. This unique workforce development partnership supports our vitally important international airport and builds on JPMorgan Chase's commitment to improving our region's competitive position."

The CLT training provided by CPCC began Jan. 5, and will continue through May. JPMorgan Chase has invested more than $800,000 in CPCC workforce training initiatives over the last three years.

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) -Central Piedmont Community College is partnering with Lincoln Harris to bake cookies for returning U.S. troops in Charlotte.
On Dec. 15, they will bake between 3,000 and 4,000 cookies and brownies for troops returning home for the holidays.
The cookies will be distributed to the troops by the United Service Organizations at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
The organization expects approximately 4,000 military members to pass through the airport in the coming weeks.
This is the third consecutive year CPCC has hosted the Lincoln Harris team for this project. The first two years, volunteers worked at CPCC's Harris Campus, home to the college's Baking & Pastry Arts curriculum program, and baked 2,000 cookies and brownies.

This year's 4,000 cookie and brownie goal requires more kitchen space. Therefore, the team is moving its operation to CPCC's Culinary Arts Center, a larger space that boasts five main kitchens and more.Copyright 2017 WBTV. All rights reserved.Read more